Fifty winning retailers, state by state

Home Channel News selected 50 hardware stores -- one from each state -- for inclusion in the second annual Hardware Store All-Star list. The stores distinguish themselves with strong customer service, innovative approaches to retail and a connection to community and customers.

The alphabetical listing of All-Star stores, one from each of the 50 U.S. states, continues here with Texas, Utah and Vermont:

Texas

Hooten’s Hardware

Emory, Texas

Hooten’s Hardware loves to expand, despite the fact that it’s located in Emory, Texas, population 1511. Visits to Orgill’s markets often result in new lines of merchandise. The 40,000-sq.-ft. store and other buildings on 15 acres sell major appliances, farm and ranch supplies, building materials, every SKU made by Midwest fastener, housewares, lawn and garden, and a full assortment of electrical and plumbing. A machine repair shop and eight-bay welding operation draws farmers from neighboring states. 

Utah

Kohl’s Hardware & Lumber

Duchesne, Utah

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012, Kohl’s Hardware & Lumber serves its rural community (about 100 miles from Salt Lake City) with a one-stop shop approach to retailing. In fact, “One stop shopping” was the store’s motto back when it sold groceries. Today, the 10,000-sq.-ft. store continues its tradition of well-rounded service with hardware, auto products, a lumberyard and flower shop. 

Vermont

Woodstock Home & Hardware

Woodstock, Vt.

Owner Larry Perry is a firm believer in multiple suppliers: He buys from Ace, Orgill and Standard Hardware. Maybe that’s why Woodstock had ice melt and roof rakes when everyone else was out last winter. Perry’s eclectic blend of merchandise defies description. His ever-changing store marquee features advice, special promotions, jokes and the occasional political jab.

For the complete list of 50 winning retailers, state-by-state, register or log in to Homechannelnews.com.